I am a member of the Indian Forest Service, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer with the Government of Maharashtra. In this role, I oversee zoo establishment and operations and manage conservation breeding programs, all aimed at advancing wildlife conservation and enhancing the management of zoological facilities. Additionally, I have experience in handling human-animal conflicts, establishing ecotourism sites, and carrying out ecosystem restoration activities, including plantations and soil and moisture conservation projects. My work is driven by a commitment to promoting sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity in the region.

Dr. Kakha Nadiradze appointed on the position of Chair of Commission on Ecosystems Management, CEM IUCN Eastern Regional Branch Chair for Eastern Europe. With more than 26 years of experience, Kakha Nadiradze has positioned himself in various management positions with the vision of promoting innovative and scientific development in Ecosystems Protection, Management, Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation, Expert of Habitats, Protected Areas and Agrobiodiversity, Agroecology and Food Systems. He provides professional advisory/consulting/extension services to Government, Policy Makers, producers and agricultural companies around the world in the implementation of sustainable Food systems, comprehensive optimization of Agribusiness and evaluation of market opportunities. He is focused on promoting sustainable agriculture through soil conservation techniques, combating desertification and soils erosion, implementing regenerative agriculture methods, Gene Banking and in vitro and ex-situ conservation. Using in practice the Nature Based Solutions, NBS among others. He has published extensively in these areas, linking theory and practice to inform policymaking on food, agriculture, the environment, circularity and human well-being. He is a Member of the IUCN CEM (Commission on Ecosystem Management), Planta Europe, GODAN (Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition), BES-Net, (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network), MBON (Marine Biodiversity Observation Network), The Research Data Alliance (RDA), The Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation — GFAR, GFRAS and Founder of EUFRAS, Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), The Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI), the European Soil Data Centre and GEO BON – The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity),and of the Think Tank organization Groupe de Bruges (Independent network and think tank on European agricultural and rural development policies, GdB). Kakha is well placed to develop conservation science that is aimed at international conservation policy targets, such as those agreed under the Convention on Biological Diversity, CITES and the UNFCCC, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Member of the European, Middle Eastern and African Society for Bio Preservation & Biobanking, ESBB. Member of the Agroecology Coalition. Global Network of Civil Society Organization’s for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), Global Risk Forum. (GRF), Davos Switzerland, Member of the Nexus Coalition and elected Chair of the DesertNET International (Agropolis International). He is an editorial Board Member of Next Academic and Scientific Journals: Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER), Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, of The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Informative Research and Review (IJMIRR), Journal on Mountain Ecosystems & Resource Management and of the Journal - Entrepreneurship Research and Education Network of Central European Universities, ERENET. He is an author of a large number of analytical publications and has been a speaker of Local and International conferences and workshops. Involved in the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition Project (GODAN) in advocating for open data to bring about innovation to achieve food security (SDG2). Kakha Nadiradze is a Task Force Member of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network, GGBN, Smithsonian Institute (US). Dr. Nadiradze has provided effective expertise in different local and international projects in Biodiversity Conservation, Ecological Restoration, management and monitoring by providing science-based planning strategies to protect and enhance native species, habitats, and ecosystems at global, regional, and local scales. He has received different Scholarships from ESBB.

I work with Indigenous communities in all the practical and strategic processes that support their territorial autonomy and self-determined developmental agendas. In a beautifully complex world, that can mean anything from technical GIS support, monitoring biodiversity in territory, analyzing invasions and threats to territory, strategizing and obtaining the necessary data to fill gaps to support legal cases against threats and support informed decision-making. I am an interdisciplinary academic-activist working with Indigenous nationalities and representative organisations in pursuit and actualization of their autonomy and collectively self-determined vision. I have worked on the intersection between international law, national judicial systems, international environmental commitments, extractive industries and the plural visions of Indigenous Peoples and other historically minoritized groups. My focus has been on human rights-based approaches to conservation and what they imply in current law, traditional/local ecological knowledge, and Indigenous leadership in navigating an encroaching world (community-based monitoring and mapping of territory (for biodiversity, threats, culture, etc.)). I have worked across South America and both South and Southeast Asia and have now returned to the Amazonian region as the monitoring field coordinator for Amazon Frontlines. For my work things feel free to skim my LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/tomatitoperdido

I am a bats researcher based in Kenya expert in collecting, analysing and reporting data regarding conservation.

I am a dedicated marine and freshwater biologist currently pursuing my PhD, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable fishing practices. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. I completed my MSc with a thesis on the West African Manatee (T. Senegalensis), where I investigated the mechanisms of bycatch through different gillnet configurations. This study not only mimicked the daily fishing activities of local fishers but also provided valuable insights into the interactions between manatees and fishing gear. My findings revealed new species involved in bycatch, as well as the primary causes of fish damage, ultimately suggesting the best gillnet configurations to minimize bycatch. In my PhD program, I am expanding my research to identify and map bycatch sites along the coast of Cameroon. My current projects include analyzing various pollutants found in sharks and rays, understanding the effects of these pollutants on the health and genetics of these species, and determining their age to better comprehend their life cycles and conservation needs. I am passionate about reducing bycatch and promoting sustainable fishing practices. As part of my conservation activities, I will be training local fishermen on best releasesing practices, which involve techniques to safely release life bycatch back into the water, and educating them on how to effectively use GPS technology to monitor and manage their fishing activities. I believe that community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts. I invite community members and local stakeholders to join me in these important initiatives. Together, we can work towards protecting our marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations. Thank you for your interest in my work!. I look forward for collaboration as I still find difficulties in having a laboratory for analysis. Thanks🙏 

I am a biologist working on various aspects of poaching, illegal trade in wildlife, integrated community based inclusive conservation, protected areas management and environmental education

Dynamic and passionate conservationist with a deep commitment to sustainability, wildlife preservation, and the protection of natural ecosystems. With extensive experience in conservation planning, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, rangeland management, and community engagement, I am driven to create lasting positive change for both the environment and local communities. I have a proven track record in managing conservation projects, conducting environmental planning, and leveraging data analysis to drive effective solutions. My work is rooted in a strong passion for wildlife conservation, human rights, and sustainable development. I specialize in designing and implementing projects that not only protect biodiversity but also integrate economic empowerment, climate resilience, and community development for long-term, sustainable impact. Skilled at building and nurturing collaborative partnerships with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, I am dedicated to fostering collective efforts for meaningful environmental and social change. I am particularly focused on advancing holistic, community-centered approaches that improve the well-being of vulnerable populations—especially in rural and underserved areas—while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. I am committed to advancing conservation initiatives that create a harmonious balance between environmental preservation and human development, ensuring that both nature and people thrive for generations to come.

I am an experienced biologist with a Master of Science degree and 16 years of international experience in natural resource management, forest management and restoration, nature-based solutions, climate change, human rights, traceability and capacity building within the agriculture, forestry, cattle ranching, and conservation sectors. I am skilled in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), adaptive management, GIS, and remote sensing. I have a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and successfully negotiating with various stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, decision-makers, and local communities. As a visionary individual, I am deeply passionate about implementing landscape-scale initiatives that strike a balance between environmental, social, financial, and productive strategies, fostering nature restoration and regeneration. Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jhon-Infante-Betancour-2  Quality panel member High Conservation Value Resource Network: https://www.hcvnetwork.org/quality-panel Licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) Assessor: https://www.hcvnetwork.org/people/jhon-alexander-infante-betancour High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA) Practitioner: https://highcarbonstock.org/hcs-approach-quality-review-process/hcs-approach-registered-organisations/

Wildlife conservation professional based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  Primary topics of interest: conservation technology, protected area management, SMART, anti-poaching. 

I work on engagement on a green infrastructure project on the East Bristol fringe. We have over 80 sites, delivering biodiversity net gain through grassland habitat improvement.

Dr. Andrew Gichira, PhD, is a Botanist with extensive experience conducting ecological assessments and surveys in mountainous ecosystems (in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda) and savannah landscapes (in Kenya Maasai Mara and different conservancies in northern Kenya). As a research manager at the Center for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya, Andrew leads field research and habitat assessments, contributing valuable insights into restoration strategies across diverse habitats and in the development of the Global Biodiversity Standard- the most scientifically rigorous biodiversity certification that recognises and promotes the protection, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. With a deep understanding of the unique biodiversity and restoration needs of these environments, Andrew is dedicated to advancing ecosystem restoration practices through scientific research and sustainable habitat management.

Lawyer (University of Buenos Aires). Specialised in environmental law (Argentine Catholic University). IUCN Councillor (2021-2025). Member of the UNCCD CSO Panel (2022-2024). Observer at the UNCCD Intergovernmental Working Group on Drought (2022-2024). Biodiversity, human rights and gender. A passionate advocate for nature protection with an ecosystem and human rights-based approach. Naturalist and birdwatcher. Over a decade experience working in civil society organisations and networks, as an environmental consultant, lecturer and editor.